Continuing page 22 in my altered art book. The Stations mentioned in the text (Moscow, Brussels, Helsinki and Hiversum) used in the context of the shrine, refer to the 14 Stations of the Cross or the Way of Sorrow: Christ’s journey to his own crucifixion.

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Tucked away through an alleyway, in a small enclosed area lies the Hidden Gem (St Mary’s Roman Catholic church. The church was founded in 1794. Norman Adams painted the 14 Stations of the Cross and I think they are pretty amazing! At first it may seem strange to see the beautifully carved white alter juxtaposed with very Modern art, but I believe that each offsets the other beautifully. For the rest of the Stations, click here and for information about how the artist was chosen and other bits click here

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The inside of this little church is amazing! The altar looks quite Italianate, you would think you were in Italy, not in the centre of Manchester!

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Shrine of “Our Lady of Manchester””There may it stand for ever, While that symbol doth impart,
To the mind, one glorious vision, One proud throb to the heart,
While the breast needeth rest, May this grey old temple last,
Bright prophet of the future, As preacher of the past”